I've Got a Christmas Sweet Tooth, And a Cavity to Prove It.

This isn't just a sweet tooth, its that and everything in between. It is freezing here (surprise, surprise) and the only way to keep me warm, besides my nightly ritual baths and the heater, is eating and consuming everything in sight because I want to, because it's fun, because it's cold, and because it's the holidays and that's what I do. I'm pretty sure I have a few cavities, actually I know for a fact because I can see them. Therefore, January  1st is going to be one heck of a disciplined day with a trip to the dentist! Christmas is getting the best of me! And I can't stop. Christmas treats are just too pretty to decline, don't you agree? So I'm just going to eat up and enjoy my holidays and then put myself in time-out come the new year. Until then, eat up!

But for your Christmas sweet tooth here are the recipes from above. 1. Linzer Star Cookies 2. Cranberry & Pistachio Nougat 3. Chocolate-Mint Crackle Cookies 4. Peppermint Meringues with Chocolate Filling

I Can Confidently Say, "IM A GRADUATE!!!"

What a special day December 17th is. Oh how it will always be a day of FREEDOM! My graduation due date has been long over due - two years over due to be exact and I honestly thought reaching that point of completion was nearly impossible. My friends even thought so. While all of my friends have graduated years ago, and moved on with their lives and out of the state of Utah, I had to sit back and watch as time slowly flew by and waited for my turn. And today was finally the day. Honestly, it did come faster than I had imagined, now looking back on it.

So, two years over due and having completed about 47 paintings in my life time, I can safely say (with no surprises from the fine arts counselor) I am a college graduate and hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Arts & Visual Communications. It feels so good to say that! I've come a long long way and I am ready and happy to say goodbye to Utah Valley University forever and ever! I feel as though I have made a huge accomplishment in my life and the paintings don't even end here... I am just getting started! On to my next adventure!

winding down to graduation, GRADUATION!

This is what life looks like, all of the time - my artwork for school in consuming my soul seeing as how I have ONE WEEK LEFT. Yes, one week my friends! I truly honestly never thought this day would arrive. I remember it like it was yesterday realizing that I had two more extra years to go and I was beyond devastated!

Now, it's nothing but crunch time and I find all of the free time I can get to paint at home while I'm not in the studio at school. This is what my living room looks like - couch is never put together and you'll find remnants of cafe rio here and there... can you spy the red straw? It's okay though, I am enjoying these last moments of being a student and though I am not too sad about graduating... I have somewhat enjoyed my time at Utah Valley Univeristy - I mean it's no SCAD (which was my original plan then I through myself for a loop) but it was good to me nonetheless and I have more than grown with my talent and I have opened my eyes to new paths within my future career and I cannot wait! Just five more days and I'll be a college graduate! WOOHOO!

Thanksgiving In Georgia

Oh bless you holidays, and bless you my sweet Georgie Georgia and bless my family and keep them safe while I am away across the country. That's all I can think about now that I am back into the grind of finishing school and moving to California. I am so thankful I was able to fly home to Georgia and be with my entire family. These moments are those that I cherish, study and hold very very close to my heart. I wish I was able to be closer to them all as they are all together in Georgia and Tennessee. I'm the odd ball out and I absolutely cry over it. But a good week home was a great cure to my soul and I feel very blessed.

I just can't help but contemplate over the goodness of my family and how my Heavenly Father has really spoiled me with my parents, sisters, brother-in-laws, and my nieces and nephews and of course my Zekey. I wouldn't have it any other way and I feel like I owe the world everything because I am so lucky to have them. They bring such joy and emotion to me that the older I get, the more attached I am becoming. I long to be a kid again, and I live vicariously through my nieces and nephews.

We all had an overload of fun, manhandling that turkey that my mom fixed in the kitchen, pounding mouthfuls and mouthfuls of food, even days before Thanksgiving had actually arrived, ordering midnight pizzas, eating spoonfuls of gumbo and grits and fixin' my Great Grandma Duncan's homemade noodles that brings such happiness to my Dad and has become a tradition in our family from our folks from West Virginia to Florida. We played games resulting in throwing whipped cream pies in each others faces nearly wetting ourselves to family walks near the Chattahoochee River covered in a canopy of Georgia fall leaves.

I made my traditional stops to what I call my version of 'Tara' (from Gone With the Wind) where I love to sit in quiet and think about all of my blessings, where I come from and the joy I am filled with when I am reunited with my family in the South. It's a hard feeling to explain how home, just the term home impacts me. When I am home, I gain a sense of who I really am, I feel comfortable again, at ease, it's very hard to explain.

I had a hard time talking about moving to California while I was home, and I think it was because I was currently in the place where I knew I truly belonged at the moment and I didn't want to leave. But once I got back to Utah, and the winter snow storms came piling down, and I was back in my routine of things, I felt excited for our move and for the adventures we are about to embark. But when I am home, it's tuff to pull me away from it. Days before my departure I am already dreading it and filled with anxiety and I have to mentally prep myself to get a grip and to not cry this time. Do not cry this time. I improved this trip as my parents dropped Zeke and I off at the airport. I didn't cry when I hugged my parents goodbye, but I was dying inside and fighting really hard. With all of the commotion in the airport, I was distracted, but once I was up in the air flying, and Zeke was asleep, I put down my table and rested my head and I cried, and I just wanted to turn around and go home - with Zeke of course. I must take him everywhere I go, but I wanted to just go home with him.

These are just minor things in my life that tug on my heart strings, and as much as I long to go home, sometimes I feel like it's easier to never arrive because that way I'll know I'll never have to say goodbye. I truly hope I can make it back home in the future. I truly hope I can live near my parents and sisters and raise my kids in the South where I was raised. A southern magazine I love called, "Garden & Gun" August & September's issue had an article about southern women and one girl stated,

"I want my children to know they belong to something bigger than themselves. That they are unique, but they are not alone. That there is continuity where they come from. Comfort too. That there are rules worth following and expectations worth trying to meet, even if you fail. If nothing else, I want them to know how to make biscuits. And to not feel bad about eating a whole heaping plate of them. 

Because before I know it, my girls will be grown. And they will be Southern women too. And that, I believe will have made all the difference." - Allison Glock

Allison states it better than I ever could, but her words are so profound and describe exactly how I feel. But you know, heaven forbid, if this doesn't play out in life, as hard as it will be it's the Lord's will. But I honestly can't help but think of any other way of life for me. And that is my selfish and wishful thinking. - Just bring me home. 

Truth be told, I am thrilled to go to California. Zeke and I are young and long for an adventure, a place where we fit in before we bring children into the mix. A place where there is so much to see and do, where the night life is young and goes deep into the hours of the night. So to complain, would be ugly of me. I know that I am blessed and the years ahead of me will be fulfilling. I guess, with Thanksgiving and always coming home to the South and being with my family brings me back to thinking of the future future, when Zeke and I start having a family of our own, and that is how I envision settling down and raising our kids... So I need to get my ants out of pants and enjoy the adventure I am living now and be grateful for the capability of even being able to take a plane home every once in awhile. Now, that in and of itself, is pretty awesome. 

I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and you were able to spend it with the people you love and cherish. I sure did, and I am so very grateful. Happy Friday and may your weekend keep you safe and warm! 

fifties voguette painting

This is my latest portrait taken from a 1950's Vogue editorial. I am so drawn to that decade. And I have always swooned over those photographs from that particular Vogue issue that I decided I'd challenge myself and paint one, a large one if you will. This bad boy is 36" x 48" and I couldn't be more proud. I am happy to say that I will be getting all of my paintings done in time for finals! I only have one more portrait to go! And this last one I am really excited for - it's another vintage fashion magazine piece from Harper's Bazaar.

I can't believe how fast time is flying by with this last semester of school. I for sure thought it was going to drag, but I was proven wrong. It's bittersweet to be done, but it's a wild feeling to know I'll be free at last - to paint whatever my precious heart desires, and for that... I am really thrilled!

With the holidays coming up be sure to check out my artwork shop, as PRICES HAVE BEEN LOWERED! rachelanne.bigcartel.com

"Tropicana Lush" On the Market, Pre-Order Now!

My oh my, this has been a looooooong time-a-comin'. It's true, one of my favorite works of arts and a huge accomplishment of mine is now available in poster form as well as two sizes of Giclees! You can pre-order the poster or giclee painting of "Tropicana Lush" NOW at rachelanne.bigcartel.com

So, what are you a'waiting for? Get moving and purchase some artwork to spruce up your home!

as of late...

Is it next Friday yet? Days while the zoo is out of town are dragggggggggggggged out. I mean draagggged out. Luckily, I have been keeping myself quite busy with the move to California coming right around the corner. I've also had some great opportunities pop up which I am really excited about and I'm very flattered and feeling very unqualified. I am happy to say I am a new contributor for Caitlin Wilson Designs as the 'Art Advisor' for her design blog! I will post every third Tuesday of every month talking about anything art related and I am beyond thrilled!

With that said, I had to snatch myself my favorite Caitlin Wilson pillows for the home : The Greige Deco Pillow & the Berry Signature Pillow! I absolutely love them as they bring such life to our home! On the subject of all things really cute and adorable, let's talk of the Rifle Paper Co. cards - I really wanna start getting more 'old fashioned' which is so sad that it's getting to those terms now, of handwriting letters in the mail. No, not sending a text and no not sending an email, it just doesn't cut it quite like it did when it was delivered in person, where you could smell the ink, get a paper cut and wipe a smile on your face when you've received a surprise in the mail! With this past week being quite emotional but ending up very uplifting, I have some letter writing to do. These two above were my favorites, especially the cat one.

So there's that update. And how I spend the rest of my time? Oh just watching countless of t.v. shows, reading books, taking baths, and making my christmas wish list at the mall, all by myself. My life is really awesome when the Zoo is away. Again, is it Friday yet? Geeze Louise!!!!!!!!!! Looks like I'm hitting the sac on a Saturday night earlier than most! With that said, sweet dreams!

perfect timing to give thanks.

Holy cow. What a whirlwind of a week. I am literally exhausted from a much emotional and sleepless week... but I got through and ended it with more than a good note and an overload of blessings.

Wednesday was the most overwhelming day of blessings! I didn't know I could feel so overwhelmed with such amazing and spiritual experiences, but I think with all of the excess of crying I was thinking, "Okay, okay, I get it, Heavenly Father loves me more than I can imagine, but he knows how emotional I am so let's tone it down a bit, eh?" I'm kidding but really, I couldn't believe how near the Lord was by my side this whole week that I could hardly handle it. I've never felt so comforted as such a time when I needed it most.

As you already know of my awful day on Monday with my car being broken into and all of my art supplies of over $3,000 being taken. I know to some, you won't understand why it was such a downer time for me, but those out there who may be artists or know of something that they are so passionate about, and have it all be taken from you - nothing is lousier. All week I have been praying so hard for my paints to show up. For them to magical be sitting on my doorstep because whoever stole them was too embarrassed to face me and apologize. Or, magically, I'd find my whole entire bag of paints and brushes in church dumpsters - just something. And no, none of that ever happened.

Zeke has been out of town this whole week, which made it even harder. So being alone, and alone in the dumps was kicking me pretty hard, and I was trying to have a good attitude about it, but whenever I'd think of what happened or retell the story to someone I'd just cry and cry. I needed family. Then Wednesday rolled around.

I woke up to a surprise at the door, and my dear friend Kristi had mailed me fresh flowers and a cafe rio card with a letter written all the way from Seattle. It was refreshing to wake up to it. My friends get me, and they know how much painting and art mean to me and they get how I'm feeling and for that, I am so grateful. Once again, when I read her letter, I cried and cried. My face is now so swollen, I don't know if it will ever deflate back to it's normal state - or maybe its just all of the cafe rio I've been eating to tame my emotions. From then on, I was feeling better about my situation. A couple of days had gone by and forgiveness was in my heart as well as a sense of hope. That night was my painting class and so I knew I had to stop at the art store to purchase and restart with just the essentials to get me through my last two paintings of the semester. I was determined to go at it with a really good and uplifting attitude.

Despite the negativity that goes on in the world, and despite my hard week, Wednesday was a day filled with good good people. I stepped into the family owned art store to begin my new collection of oil paints and brushes after having it all being taken from me. Being overwhelmed, the lady asked me if I was looking for anything in particular and I began to tell her my situation of my car being broken into and all of my supplies being taken. I could see the sincere pain in her eyes which then led me to crying hysterically (for about the 20th time) and she embraced me quickly and gave me the longest hug as I continued to sob. After pulling myself together she helped me gather what I needed to get me through my last final paintings of the semester. While checking out, her husband, who owns the store, overheard my story and showed his concern as well. Before leaving, I thanked her for the hug and comfort. As I was walking to my car I continued to cry again because the sweet comfort of a stranger was what I needed. Once I got into my car I noticed the woman was running to me with her arms filled with tubes of oil paint and she said,"My husband and I really want to give these to you during this hard time. Just pay it forward, okay?" as she touched my cheek and gave me a final hug. It was the touch and hug that any mother would give and again I began bawling in my car over the generosity this couple was filled with. I've been praying for my paints to show up, but despite it all, this was a tender mercy from the Lord and I've gained more and learned more from that selfless act of kindness then I ever would if I found my bag of paints and brushes. I have so much to be thankful for and I will forever remember this couple whom I am so grateful for. 

I sat in my car after that experience for maybe ten minutes just sobbing and thanking my Heavenly Father. It wasn't about the fact that I now had a good starter collection of paints. The fact is, though I lost over $3,000 worth of supplies that will take me years to get back, I can still afford to begin the collection again. Obviously not all at once, but little by little. It was the gesture and the selflessness of this couple. It was the love that was filled in their hearts when they saw the pain in my face. It was them understanding and feeling deeply sorry for me. They were angels sent to show me love and give me hope and to give me comfort when my family was away. It's hard for me to explain how I truly felt at that moment. It was an experience that is indescribable. I've never been so touched in all my life. I've never experienced first hand the good that comes from strangers - and it was nothing short of unbelievable.

Once I pulled myself together, I managed to get to school tear free, until I called Zeke to tell him what had just happened and I couldn't even spit the words out I was crying so hard because I was so touched.  I walked into class with bloodshot and swollen eyes and a puffy face. Clearly, everyone knew I was a headcase. I guess my teacher Sue had informed the class what had happened and if anyone could fully understand the devastation of it all, it'd be Sue and my classmates. Sue gave me a warm hug and said some uplifting advice and then an older man in my class slipped me a twenty and said, "I know how it is and this is the least I could do to help." I politely refused his offer and then he politely refused my decline of his offer and gave me the same look that the woman at the store gave me and he just begged me to take it and once again.... I was bawling. I have never in my life had that many people within such a short amount of time show their service, their love, anything... and I knew it was blessings from my Heavenly Father looking out for me. And to top it all off, about five minutes after... I get a phone call from my sister informing me that her and my Mom, who were flying to California the next day, had a four hour layover in Salt Lake City and wanted to grab dinner! Heavenly Father has done it again, what a personal touch to all of the tender mercies I have been given- Family. I just needed my family. And if I couldn't have Zeke, of course I would need my sister and my Mom. Honestly, what are the odds? There are no odds, my testimony has grown so deeply this week over the love and understanding my Heavenly Father has for me. The morning flowers and note from a friend, the hug and service of a stranger, and the charity of a fellow artist and the surprise dinner with family from across the country all in a matter of 24-hours. It was incredible.   

I don't even need my bag of paints and brushes anymore. Those tools have been replaced with so much more. More than I could ever imagine. My heart is full. My spirits are lifted, and though I was physically alone during the hard week, I had loving phone calls to get me through the nights from Zeke, I had friends and family reaching out, and I had giving strangers and it was all done through the hands of my Heavenly Father. He knew I didn't need the bag of paints and brushes, he knew I needed something deeper, found in the hearts of us all. I needed a lesson, I need an experience to show charity, love and selflessness and I needed to understand that He knows me, and He blesses me and He understands me more than I understand myself, and I am never alone, as He is always holding my hand. And now, I 
need to pay it forward, and I've never been happier to do so. 

Though we are a few weeks shy of Thanksgiving, I won't forget this particular one as these personal occurrences were during the perfect month to step back and just give thanks. I am so excited to jump on that plane with the Zoo to Georgia to be with my whole family for a week. But before I do that, I need to send some personal thank you cards to a certain couple who really made November so special. 

Happy early Thanksgiving. Are you just as ready for all that turkey and pie like I am? Let's go.  

my worlds been rocked.

Uh well, I woke up this morning only to realize that my car was broken into right outside of my house. This is the first time that this has ever happened to me. I had all of my car paperwork, registration, insurance all of that thrown everywhere on the front seats with the glove compartment open as well as the middle console. Luckily, nothing was missing. The CD player and iphone charger were all still intact which I figured would be the first things one breaking into a car would get their hands on. I took a peek in my backseat and my freshly wrapped canvas' were still there along with my rulers, yardsticks and paint palettes, though one thing was missing that made me want to initially vomit right then and there. My entire large, over-flowing bag of every single tube of oil paint I own as well as all of my paint brushes. I instantly began bawling. 

Let me do some quick math for you. Over time, I have proudly created a large selection of oil paints since HIGH SCHOOL that has lasted for great lengths of time. I have over 150 tubes of oil. One tube of oil paint averages between $7.00 - $20.00. Because I am quite picky with my selection of quality with paints and I use quite unique pigments of oil, the tubes I own are more on the expensive end of the spectrum where we hit in the twenty dollar range. So, what is 150 (tubes of oil) x 20 (price of one tube)? $3,000. $3,000!!!! Not to mention I had about 12-15 oil paint brushes which range from $7.00 to $20.00 as well... I've been more than robbed. My personal life has been invaded. The one thing I am most passionate about has been taken from me, just like that. Why of all things, did they take my paints? I had a phone charger and a blasted CD player in the car, and they took the one thing that my life was so fully invested in, at the most crucial time in my education as an artist and what could be the beginning of my career as an artist come graduation this December. 

I'm still in awe over it. I've contacted the police, filed a report and it turns out many reports have come in within my area with the same exact reports except no one had items stolen from them, but me. The police think it was a group of kids, which really makes me even more disappointed. I'm not angry, I am just deeply sad and crushed. I have nothing as an artist. Nothing. I didn't go to classes today because I had no oils to use and no brushes to paint with. I have to completely start from scratch and I'll never be able to afford $3,000 worth of oil paints right off the bat that I had relied on so heavily. The collection of oil paints and brushes I owned has taken me over 8 years to gain. I cry just thinking about it. I'm crying right now. I bawled all morning and afternoon.  I even ran errands not knowing I had black mascara tear marks down my face while at the grocery store. I cried on the phone to my family and friends. I cried in the dressing room of Victoria Secret while no bra I tried on worked and then my mind raced back to my paints and how terrible this day has been. 

I know there are worse things in the world, but when it's something that is your main tool to create things that give you such joy, appreciation in your life and something that makes you so proud of your accomplishments is taken from you, it hurts deeply. And I know not many can relate but I feel more than robbed. I feel as though I am now incapable of accomplishing works of art because I no longer have my tools that I have taken with me all over since I was 16 to get me through a really hard painting that took more then blood, sweat and tears. 

I just wish whoever the kids were would knock on my front door and return my personal items. I wouldn't even yell, I wouldn't even say anything. I'd honestly just cry with relief and thankfulness. If only they knew how badly they've hurt me. I know these paints can be replaced, but only with time. I am just thankful they weren't my paintings. 

I am trying my best to keep my chin up and find the good in this situation. I think back on all of my favorite old masters and the trials they experienced during their journey as an artist and I'd like to think this is something that could be added into my bio on my Wikipedia page... at least I didn't cut my ear off like my man Van Gogh - things could be worse. 

I've been through all of the stages of emotions today. This morning I was grieving and crying nonstop, then it turned into anger and I may have said only a few profanities, just a few. Then it turned into a buck-up attitude and now I am just back to being extremely sad but I'm not angry. 

Such is life. We all must move on. I know this is not as big of a deal to some, but it's just personal. And it's okay. It's okay. It's all going to be okay. Once graduation hits, I really will be that poor artist trying to get by like everyone talks about. Here goes nothing... 

it was a monster mash : halloween

Can you tell that this years Halloween was a straight up blast? I made sure to keep it more simple and not pull a fast one with a whoppin' murder mystery dinner like I did last year where I about keeled over and died. I also made sure to not play the role of a saint and make all of the food for every single soul who came - instead, we did potluck this year and it was genius- saved more money and more time and a lot of headaches.

Unfortunately, the Zoo was away in California for business, but I made sure a monster mash was still in hand. We had lions, Mary Poppins, cone-heads and skeletons in the haunted house. Monster music was blasting and at one point in time, we found ourselves monster mashing in a congo line doing out best Frankenstein moves. We were cracking ourselves up. Candles were lit amongst us, the mood was spooky and ghost stories were told. This is seriously one of my favorite pastimes.

Once midnight hit, we decided to jump in the car and chase some ghosts. We went to a gravity hill near the canyon and did the whole, "pour the flour on the hood of your car thing" and we didn't even move up the hill. I was disappointed to say the least especially since I grew up going to Booger Hill. You know, it's the whole gravity hill thing and whatever science tells you, I still believe in the supernatural part of it - it's part of the fun.

Booger Hill is out in the middle of nowhere where the road is surrounded by cotton fields and the sky is filled with stars. You ride to the top of the hill where two live oak trees stand still and where two slaves were hung from. The townspeople don't want anyone to know what they had done, so when you put your car in neutral, with all of the lights off and the windows rolled down and you slowly creep down that road, slowly but surely, the car starts moving backwards (some nights faster than others) but it's the townspeople pushing you up keeping you from knowing that they've hung the slaves. If you let your car be pushed back to the oak trees, legend has it, you'll die on your way home. Obviously, we've been too scared to let that happen. Heaven forbid would we ever let that happen!

It's those kinds of things I live for and I'm happy that we've got a whole entire month out of the year to purposely do those kinds of things (even though this is like my number one idea of something to do every weekend outside the month of October.) I'd say Halloween was a blast and it was a great way to end the month!

November 1st was spent taking down the decorations and though nothing pleases me more than a month full of Halloween decor throughout the whole house, it does feel really refreshing to take them down and have a clean home again. On to the next holiday, and by the next holiday, I mean Thanksgiving, NOT Christmas. For me, Christmas starts on December 1st and that's FINAL!

night of the living dead

Halloween has come and gone - it was the night of the living dead and I am literally whooped. My favorite day out of the year is over with and I think the highlights were waiting in line for an hour at Krispy Kreme for doughnuts. Sounds strange, I know, but everyone was in the Halloween spirit. And of course making a midnight trip to the graveyard. More to report when I wake up from my doughnut coma. Happy Halloween you ghouls.

hocus pocus

So I did it. I put together the Giovanna & Oscar de la Renta outfits and I think I look more like Winifred from Hocus Pocus. It works though, I think. Except now I think I want to do something else instead now... I had a little too much fun with the face paint and now I want to go into something more in depth. Typical, typical, typical!

Also, I think tonight should be called Hallows-eve since it is the eve of Halloween, don't you think?!?

BATtaglia Halloween!

This is Giovanna Battaglia (on the left), one of my all time favorite style icons. I really wish this photo wasn't so pixelated but you still get the point : she's halloween gone glam! Halloween is tomorrow and I am so ecstatic! Sadly, I am not totally myself this October.  This month has been crazy, as will the next and so on forth with mixing school in and packing up for the move. I've spent all of my spare Halloween time decorating the house and planning a Halloween Monster Mash but I have forgotten about my costume! Eek! How could I forget the main thing!?

With much thought, I always keep my Martha Stewart Halloween Guide Books, but the costumes in there are just too elaborate to put together in one night - so it's that kind of year where you sort of put on anything and everything that you own and you don't know what you are - until my style icon BATtaglia showed me the way: tricks for scoring the Halloween spirit at the last minute! Yep, I qualify for that. Don't you love her painted BATtaglia mask? This is when I wish I had sleek jet black hair like Gio. I still don't know what I'd say I was with this painted on my face but at least it has a Halloween vibe to it? Does it not? I've got this black and long twenties flapper dress I'll probably put on and then paint my face like this, paint my nails black, make my eyebrows black and wear a fun lipstick color and maybe to darken my blonde hair, I'll go get some black tulle fabric and wrap it around my head like Oscar de la Rentas models during this past fashion week. I would just get black hairspray paint but I'm too scared to do that. You're probably still wondering what I'd call myself, and I still don't know. I guess I could be a gothic Halloween flapper? Or I could be a gothic fortuneteller from the twenties?  I don't know, I don't know - I just want to look like Halloween so there it is.

It's so sad that I stress over this, but it is my favorite holiday so I can't fully blame myself. We will see how it goes! Happy Hallows-eve my witches!

ma' and pa' in town for a fall weekend!

Oh how I love hanging out with my parents. I really can't find a pair that is cooler than these two cats. They flew out to Utah from back home in Georgia for the weekend to keep the Zoo and I some company, and boy did we wear ourselves out!

We did everything under the fall leaves - we started off the weekend with a spooky show of "Thriller" in Salt Lake City. All of Utah is so excited for Thriller every year, so it was pretty talked up if you know what I mean. So, as excited as we were, sadly I was a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong, it was a great dance show with some numbers really throwing that Halloween-vibe at me, but others left me confused and yawning, having nothing to do with the month of October! Don't be mad at me for saying so! Nonetheless, I have said over and over again every year that I would go see Thriller and I finally did, and right on time before we move to California, and I'n glad that I did!

Luckily, my parents were able to get the tail end of the leaves changing in Utah! We spent a day hiking up in Sundance to see the waterfalls and the weather was absolutely perfect! A cool fall breeze followed up by a warm and hearty meal at Sundance by the fire was what the doctor ordered. My Dad lives for Sundance. He's like a child when we go and it makes me really happy to see him in his place of dreaming - I know the feeling except it takes place on the opposite side of America and pointing South.  I will say, nothing feels more like fall than when you're bundled up in that cabin like restaurant up in the mountains eating a plate of meatloaf and mash potatoes. I'm drooling right now just thinking about it.

Later on in the week we drove through the Alpine Loop and watched football games at my Aunt and Uncles house. I'm going to miss them a lot when the Zoo and I move. Time spent with them and their kids are some of my favorite memories of living in Utah and it's a bonus when my parents are around while hanging out with them.

A part of me does fell a bit guilty for moving - my parents are so in love with Utah and the Zoo and I are the last to leave with both of my sisters back South. Now they have less of a reason to make a trip out to the place that they love, but I know that won't stop them. And though it's going to be a bittersweet move - luckily, the Zoo's parents still live here so we will be back and up around the bend here and there in the future.

All in all, it was such a treat to have my parents stay with us for the weekend. I already miss their company but it makes me even more excited to know I'll be seeing them in just a couple of weeks for Thanksgiving, as the Zoo and I are jetting back home to Georgia with the whole family! I finally get to meet my new nephew Sam! YEHAW!!

Family is really the best, especially around this time of year. I couldn't be happier. Changes are a-comin' but I am accepting them with a positive attitude and open arms! Life is good.

bungalow shop

If you don't know already, the Zoo and I are on to our next adventure, as we are moving to Los Angeles, California in December. With that being said, we are deep deep cleaning our home and that especially includes my CLOSET. SO, do be a lady and step into my Bungalow shop on Instagram - IG NAME @bungalowshop

Anyone can bid, just be sure to include your email address with your bid and the highest bidder I will send a paypal invoice to your email. It's all final sale and there is an additional $3.00 shipping fee! More will be added to the shop later on in the week! Enjoy!

witchy woman.

As of late, I have been bloated from apple cider and spend countless hours at night watching episode after episode of "The Munsters." Do you remember that show? It is from the 60's but it's the perfect vibe for what Halloween really feels like to me. The classic halloween music is in the show, everything is Halloween or monster related - they live in an old Victorian mansion with Gothic Medieval furniture and decor with cobwebs spinning all over the place. Not to mention the show is in black and white and to me - I don't know why, but that is really halloween to me. Anything old and classic - I feel like they understood it better back then.

The Zoo and I hit up a pumpkin patch this morning and plan on carving our pumpkins sunday night. I typically always try to out-do myself from the year before and do a carving that is so elaborate that I end up killing myself over it. Not this year, I kind of want to go more traditional and just do the classic jack-o-lantern grin. Last weekend we took my cousins to the Haunted Forest and it really was the perfect halloween vibe. The moon was full and creeping in through the dark woods as we walked along a haunted path lit by jack-o-lanterns and once again I felt like a child.

Tonight, we are going to put in a scary movie - Poltergeist. I remember watching this when I was younger with my dad and sisters. It scared the day lights out of me and its been so long since I've seen it, it'll be like watching it from the start all over again. I just can't get enough of October - it truly is one of my favorite months of the year.

Also, I think the wicked witch from the West is kind of legit.

halloween planning.

Last year for Halloween, I put together a murder mystery dinner for my friends. Looking back, it had to of been my most favorite Halloween to date in my Utah days. Although, I didn't really know how much work and money it was going to be until I was in too deep and couldn't back out. It was worth it nonetheless, and my friends had a blast but I don't plan on doing it again this Halloween.

Though, I MUST do something, as I live for Halloween! So I figured I would have friends over again but hold a little Halloween Potluck with halloween traditional games and monster mash music playing in the background. I want to make the mood spooky and eerie and light numerous candles and candles sticks and dim the lights!! BOO! I just want it to feel like halloween. And I intend on making it feel like so!

the beginnings of october.

So much black and orange and I love it! Halloween is my absolute favorite time of year, sometimes, I can't even stand it because I get so giddy over it! I always try my very best to make the month feel as how I felt as a child, or how I envisioned Halloween - or make it feel like they do in the Halloween movies.

You know as a child how every holiday seemed that much more extravagant or just a dramatic version of what it is as an adult? Does that make any sense? Well at every age, I've tried my best to not see the adult version of holidays and instead I become more of a kid again, and I go all out. I just wish towns would get more into holiday's and deck the crap out of the city, so that everywhere you went it just screamed Halloween and you couldn't escape the feeling.

So far, I have been to a fair share of halloween pumpkin patches, though I haven't purchased any pumpkins yet, because I seem to be hitting all of the expensive ones. That's when I should just go to the grocery store - but that takes all of the fun out of it. I've baked some witching hour sugar cookies while listening to halloween monster mash mixes and decorated my house with bats and spiders and witches hat garland. Sadly, my house just doesn't feel as Halloween as our old house did. That was much easier to do last year though, because we were living in that 1920's bungalow that already had a charming creep factor and so much character to work with. It's okay, I've done my best.

I have been painting A TON - with this being the last semester of school, it's a huge work load as I am really pushing myself to higher limits and this time around I am doing a large series of portraits. My first portrait is of a southern general from New Orleans and I am so proud of the turn out. I have never put that much work and detail into a painting and I am completely exhausted from it! Nonetheless, I have always wanted my own southern historical portrait and it was finished in time to hang up for Halloween and add a spooky southern mansion vibe to my home.

I've also been able to make my annual Halloween stop to Krispy Kreme Doughnuts because their Halloween doughnuts are my absolute favorite! I have to do it every year! I just have to! I still have so much left to do on my list. Tomorrow night we are doing a haunted house and watching a scary movie after. I still want to go apple picking in an orchard and we still obviously have to carve pumpkins and I can't even think about all of this - my head is going to explode! I JUST LOVE HALLOWEEN, and that's all. That's all.

calling all bacall's.

It's very rare that my style icons are relevant. I could truthfully only name a few as I cant seem to steer away from the classic icons whom I gain so much inspiration from. One of which, Bogart's one true love - Lauren Bacall. I just really want to be her at times. I want her hair, which I had at my wedding, but one day wasn't enough... I need to learn how to recreate that look. Everything about her is chic, timeless, effortless and simple yet grand. I don't know why I can't achieve that vibe - I seem to always complicate things which I think is because I find myself trying too hard as of late. The whole fashion blogging world has gotten me to question my sense of style which is making me go crazy because I've always been set with my own ways and happy with them. I just need to stick to the basics like bacall and be true to myself. and that is what I shall do!

the city that never sleeps

It's true. This city never goes to bed and I love it. I'm such a night owl, so the hustle and bustle that kept going till two in the morning was more exhilarating then one could even image. Yes, it's my first time to New York City. I knew I was going to fall in love. The city did not disappoint. When it comes to traveling, even in the states, I am your number one tourist, and proud of it. I crave history, architecture, food and especially fine arts. So when I am in a city that is filled to the brim with all of the above, I go hog wild, and I do not stop. I was lucky to have the Zoo with me, who has been to New York a handful of times, but understood that as a fist timer, you must go and see the cliche things that New York has to offer, namely : the statue of liberty (we took a ferry to Staten Island, rather than Ellis as it was free and less crowded.), the Metropolitan Museum which was by far my favorite day alongside riding bikes in Central Park. The Empire State Building, 9/11 Memorial, walk the Brooklyn Bridge, go see a show on Broadway - honestly, I can't even wrap my head around all that we did because we did so much and still had time left over within our last day there.

There is magic in that city, I tell ya. It's easy to say that I could live there, especially because I don't and I know things change once you'd place yourself in a city where you'd most likely not have a car and take the subway every where you go and it's loud and you know... all of the things that come with New York. But the thought of it is sure dreamy. I've been stalking numerous accounts on instagram of people who live in New York - it's true and I'm willing to admit that. I just live vicariously through them on a daily basis.

What a great short weekend trip it was to celebrate our one year anniversary. I can't wait for our next adventure in life which starts shortly in December, as we are making the move to Los Angeles! How long we will be there? It's hard to say, but I hope it leads us back home to the South someday... but for now, while we need an adventure with just the two of us, I think Los Angeles will be cake!